We live in a culture of platform and prominence. Somehow, we mistakenly believe that in order to be significant to the kingdom of God, one must write best-selling books or lead worship in front of thousands or pastor a megachurch.
I am not sure that God's perspective matches our mistaken belief system.
Now, I certainly believe that God is using best-selling authors, well-known worship leaders and the pastors whose faces I see weekly on TV, but I also believe that the fabric of the kingdom of God is made up of those who simply and quietly serve.
I believe that Sunday school teachers who faithfully teach unruly 4-year-olds are making a profound difference for Christ and His kingdom.
I believe that greeters in church parking lots and those who pray for the pastor of the church are every bit as important as those whose jobs are more visible and therefore seemingly more praise-worthy.
Let's never forget that God's prerequisite for greatness is not fame nor is it platform; God notices those who serve—those who quietly and faithfully serve.
"It shall not be so among you. Whoever would be great among you, let him serve you" (Matt. 20:26).
What if popular Christian periodicals dedicated an issue every year to applauding church janitors, nursery workers and ushers? What if we interviewed small group leaders and junior high pastors and the sound man who sits unnoticed at the back of the sanctuary?
What if?
My father, Norman Burton, who never pastored a church or wrote a book, supported more missionaries than I can remember. He taught the adult Sunday school class at our rural church for nearly 40 years and visited the shut-ins and church widows every single week. My father is my definition of the word "great" in God's kingdom, although his face will never grace the cover of a Christian magazine nor will he be the subject of a radio show.
When I was in the second grade, my father required me to memorize these words spoken by John Wesley centuries earlier. They were my father's motto by which he lived and perhaps we should all ponder the challenge of these words today:
Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can. —John Wesley
Greatness in God's kingdom may be in direct opposition to the noted personalities of our culture. Greatness in God's eyes begins by simply being good to those around you.
"But do not forget to do good and to share. For with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Heb. 13:16). 
Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written eight books, including The Rooms of a Woman's Heart, Defiant Joy!, Holy Estrogen!, No More Ordinary, Refined, Joy For All Seasons, Let There Be Joy! and Pass the Joy, Please! which releases on February 1, 2018.Her teaching DVD, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart, won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming. You can also listen to Carol's "Jolt of Joy" program daily on the Charisma Podcast Network. Connect with Carol or inquire about her speaking to your group at justjoyministries.com.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.
